Definition of large niche after Cesarean section based on prediction of postmenstrual spotting: Chinese cohort study in non-pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

A large niche after Cesarean section (CS) is associated with long-term complications, of which postmenstrual spotting is associated positively with the size of the niche. However, the diagnosis of a large niche in the literature is inconsistent and the definition is largely subjective. The aim of this study was to generate a definition for a large niche in non-pregnant women based on the presence of postmenstrual spotting.

METHODS

Women who had undergone CS in our hospital between January 2012 and June 2017 were selected randomly from our database, contacted by telephone and subsequently examined between January 2016 and June 2020. Eligible for inclusion were non-pregnant women who had their last CS more than 1 year earlier and agreed to undergo transvaginal sonography (TVS). All participants underwent examination of their CS scar by TVS (two-dimensional color Doppler) during the midfollicular phase. Niche depth, length, width, residual myometrial thickness (RMT), adjacent myometrial thickness (AMT) and ratio of niche depth/AMT were recorded. Women diagnosed with a niche, defined as an indentation at the site of the CS with a depth of at least 2 mm, were classified into two groups (symptomatic or asymptomatic) according to whether they experienced postmenstrual spotting. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish the best cut-off values for the niche parameters to predict postmenstrual spotting. A new definition was generated based on the niche parameters with the highest area under the receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) for the prediction of postmenstrual spotting.

RESULTS

A total of 727 women who had a CS > 1 year earlier underwent TVS examination, of whom 263 were diagnosed with a niche (prevalence of 36.2%). Of these, 160 women experienced postmenstrual spotting and 103 were asymptomatic. The three variables with the highest AUC for prediction of postmenstrual spotting were niche depth/AMT ratio (AUC, 0.798; 95% CI, 0.745-0.852), niche depth (AUC, 0.731; 95% CI, 0.668-0.795) and RMT (AUC, 0.683; 95% CI, 0.618-0.748). Based on the best cut-offs according to ROC-curve analysis, a large niche was defined as: niche depth ≥ 0.50 cm, RMT ≤ 0.21 cm or niche depth/AMT ratio ≥ 0.56. The prevalence of a large niche according to this definition was 22.4% (163/727). The new definition had a specificity of 61.17% (95% CI, 52.34-70.41%) and sensitivity of 76.87% (95% CI, 70.28-84.16%) for a large niche.

CONCLUSION

This study has provided a new definition for a large niche after CS. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[Prognosis of pregnant women with vaginal bleeding during the first trimester: about 239 cases at the Kamenge University Hospital in Bujumbura]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the post-discharge prognosis of pregnant women with vaginal bleeding during the first trimester, admitted to the Emergency Maternity at the Kamenge University Hospital (CHUK), according to patients age, amount of bleeding and ultrasound results. We conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytical study of 239 medical records of patients hospitalized over a period of six years from January 2012 to December 2017. In this study, the prognosis of pregnant women with first-trimester metrorrhagia hospitalized at the CHUK was bad; the majority of them (65.7%) had miscarriage. Amount of bleeding, maternal age below 20 years, or well above or equal to 35 years, were significant risk factors but much more ultrasound detection of trophoblastic detachment. It would be interesting to perform a prospective study to detect the causes of these metrorrhagias and to determine late pregnancy complications.

Celiac disease and dysfunctional uterine bleeding; the efficiency of gluten free diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between Celiac disease (CD) and unexplained dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) in celiac women. The celiac patients were selected from women who were referred to celiac department. Controls were selected from those women without any signs of celiac disease and matched with age. Meanwhile, a trained physician was ready to explain the study, and then in case of their allowance, a questionnaire was completed by the physician. 24 % of celiac women reported a past history of at least one menstrual cycle disorder vs 10 % of controls reported these problems (p=0.038) and higher percentage of unexplained DUB has been observed in celiac women. All celiac patients were undertaking gluten free diet for at least 3 months and the celiac patients who reported the history of DUB were again interviewed for any signs of unexplained DUB. From 12 celiac women with DUB, 10 patients reported no more unexplained DUB after getting gluten-free diet (83.3 %). The occurrence of a significant correlation between CD and DUB suggests the possibility of considering CD as one of the potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Therefore, celiac disease must be seriously considered in the screening of patients with reproductive disorders (Tab. 2,Ref. 23).

Prevalence, potential risk factors for development and symptoms related to the presence of uterine niches following Cesarean section: systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To review systematically the medical literature reporting on the prevalence of a niche at the site of a Cesarean section (CS) scar using various diagnostic methods, on potential risk factors for the development of a niche and on niche-related gynecological symptoms in non-pregnant women.

METHODS

The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched. All types of clinical study reporting on the prevalence, risk factors and/or symptoms of a niche in non-pregnant women with a history of CS were included, apart from case reports and case series.

RESULTS

Twenty-one papers were selected for inclusion in the review. A wide range in the prevalence of a niche was found. Using contrast-enhanced sonohysterography in a random population of women with a history of CS, the prevalence was found to vary between 56% and 84%. Nine studies reported on risk factors and each study evaluated different factors, which made it difficult to compare studies. Risk factors could be classified into four categories: those related to closure technique, to development of the lower uterine segment or location of the incision or to wound healing, and miscellaneous factors. Probable risk factors are single-layer myometrium closure, multiple CSs and uterine retroflexion. Six out of eight studies that evaluated niche-related symptoms described an association between the presence of a niche and postmenstrual spotting.

CONCLUSIONS

The reported prevalence of a niche in non-pregnant women varies depending on the method of detection, the criteria used to define a niche and the study population. Potential risk factors can be categorized into four main categories, which may be useful for future research and meta-analyses. The predominant symptom associated with a niche is postmenstrual spotting.

Association of dysfunctional uterine bleeding with high body mass index and obesity as a main predisposing factor

BACKGROUND

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) defined as abnormal uterine bleeding in the absence of underlying structural abnormalities. Recently, obesity has been suggested as a main underling risk factor for DUB; however, evidences on the role of this predisposing factor are not adequate. The current study aimed to assess status of obesity in women who suffered from DUB.

METHODS

In an observational case series study conducted at a referral endocrinology clinic in Shahrood city, Samnan, 20 consecutive women with the final diagnosis of DUB referred from 2009 to 2011 were evaluated. Obesity was assessed using calculation of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

RESULTS

The mean waist circumference was estimated 102.95±9.77 cm in the range of 90-119 cm. With respect to BMI measurement, the mean of BMI was 32.63±3.34 kg/m(2) ranged between 26.92 and 39.06 that two-third of studied women suffered from overweight status and other one-third cases were obese.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong association between obesity and DUB and therefore weight reduction should be considered as a conservative treatment besides of other medical or surgical treatment approaches.

Prevalence of hemostatic disorders in adolescents with abnormal uterine bleeding

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of hemostatic disorders in a population of adolescents with various patterns of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred thirteen adolescents with AUB; mean age at menarche and mean age at the onset of symptoms 12 ± 1.2 years and 13.5 ± 2.8 years, respectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data on menstrual history, bleeding symptoms, co-existing medical conditions, and medical therapies were assessed. All patients were screened for hemostatic disorders with laboratory testing. The incidence of the disorders was calculated. Subjects were further divided in 2 groups based on whether the AUB started in the first 2 years from menarche (group 1) or later (group 2). A statistical analysis was performed using a chi-square test to compare incidence of hemostatic disorders between the groups.

RESULTS

One hundred thirteen adolescents with AUB were identified. Overall, 54 (47.8%) patients had some underlying hemostatic disorder, of which a platelet dysfunction was the most common (17.7%). Von Willebrand disease was detected in 13.3% of cases and a deficiency of a coagulation factor in 12.4%. In 7.1% of patients an isolated increase of bleeding time was observed. When divided in 2 groups, 44.2% of patients in group 1 and 59.2% in group 2 had a coagulation disorders, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .17).

CONCLUSION

AUB in adolescents is frequently associated with an underlying disorder of hemostasis, most commonly a platelet function disorder. The results highlight the importance of screening for coagulation disorders in adolescents with AUB, independently from the gynecologic age at onset.

Negative attitudes and affect do not predict elective hysterectomy: a prospective analysis from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation

OBJECTIVE

Cross-sectional studies suggest an association between hysterectomy and negative affect. Using prospective data, we examined the associations of negative affect, attitudes toward aging and menopause, premenstrual symptoms, and vasomotor symptoms with elective hysterectomy in midlife.

METHODS

Data were from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a multisite, community-based prospective cohort study of the menopausal transition (n = 2,818). Annually reported hysterectomy at visits 2 to 9 was verified with medical records when available (71%). Anxiety, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, attitudes toward aging and menopause, vasomotor symptoms, and premenstrual symptoms were assessed at baseline using standardized questions. Cox proportional hazards models were used to relate these variables to subsequent elective hysterectomy. Covariates included demographic variables, menstrual bleeding problems, body mass index, hormone levels, and self-rated health, also assessed at baseline.

RESULTS

Elective hysterectomy was reported by 6% (n = 168) of participants over an 8-year period. Women with hysterectomy were not higher in negative affect or negative attitudes toward aging and menopause compared with women without hysterectomy. Vasomotor symptoms (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03-2.01; P = 0.03) and positive attitudes toward aging and menopause (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.04-2.93) at baseline predicted hysterectomy over the 8-year period, controlling for menstrual bleeding problems, site, race/ethnicity, follicle-stimulating hormone, age, education, body mass index, and self-rated health. Menstrual bleeding problems at baseline were the strongest predictor of hysterectomy (HR, 4.30; 95% CI, 2.05-9.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective examination, negative affect and attitudes were not associated with subsequent hysterectomy. Menstrual bleeding problems were the major determinant of elective hysterectomy.

[Study of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome factors of dysfunctional uterine bleeding based on cluster analysis and factor analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the characteristics and rules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB).

METHOD

Based on the collection tables of patient information TCM syndrome of DUB Epidata database was set up, SPSS 13.0 was used, information collected by means of four diagnostic methods from 1 000 DUB patients was analyzed in order to judge the DUB symptom group and analyze the syndrome factors.

RESULT

One hundred and thirty types of symptom were found in 1 000 DUB. Cardinal symptoms with comparative high frequency of occurrence (> 35%) were as follows: coagulated blood, long menstruationis (more than 14 days), big menstrual blood volume (MBV), dark red blood, dripping-wet blood, bright red blood. Minor symptoms with comparative high frequency of occurrence (> 20%) were as follows: fatigue, dizziness, tiredness, waist soreness, short breath, much dreaming, less sleeping, white face, palmus, anorexia, upset. Thin, white, yellow, greasy fur, indentational, fat tongue and light red, dim red, red tongue could often be seen in tongue tracings. Deep, minute, soft, rapid, small pulse could often be seen in pulse tracings. According to cluster and factor analysis and experiences in differentiation of symptoms and signs, DUB syndrome factors of disease cause and may include Qi deficiency, Yin deficiency, blood deficiency, blood stasis, Qi stagtation, hot blood (excess heat, deficiency heat), wetness, Yang deficiency, and the location is related to, spleen, liver, heart and Chongren, est.

CONCLUSION

Cluster analysis and factor analysis could give scientific and rigorous data support to objectivized research on TCM syndrome.

Comparing the complications of 2 copper intrauterine devices: T380A and Cu-Safe 300

This single-blind case-control study compared the complications of 2 intrauterine devices in consecutive referrals for device insertion in clinics of Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Republic of Iran. Women who met the inclusion criteria (n = 110) were randomly allocated to receive copper T380A (controls) or Cu-Safe 300 (cases). Moderate or severe pain during the device insertion was reported in 69.1% of controls and 47.3% of cases. Bleeding, vertigo and crampy pain at insertion were not significantly different between the groups. After 3 months follow-up, blood spotting was reported in 16.3% and 32.7% of controls and cases respectively. The Cu-Safe-300 group had less pain and menstrual bleeding but copper T380A had less spotting after 3 months. Studies on longer term complications are strongly recommended.

Unopposed estradiol therapy in postmenopausal women: results from two randomized trials

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the rates of endometrial hyperplasia, bleeding episodes, and interventions among menopausal women receiving unopposed oral estradiol or placebo therapy with ultrasound monitoring over 3 years.

METHODS

Two-hundred eighteen healthy women with intact uteri enrolled in the Estrogen in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Trial (EPAT) or the Women's Estrogen-Progestin Lipid-Lowering Hormone Atherosclerosis Regression Trial (WELL-HART) were randomly assigned to either 1 mg of micronized 17beta-estradiol (n=96) or placebo (n=122) daily for up to 3 years in a double-blind fashion. Patients were followed with annual measurement of endometrial thickness using transvaginal ultrasonography. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of uterine bleeding and endometrial biopsy.

RESULTS

Over the study periods, nine women (9.4% of patients, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6-15.2%) in the estradiol group developed hyperplasia. Eight of the nine cases (88.9%) of hyperplasia were simple without atypia. Women receiving estradiol were more likely than those receiving placebo to have at least one episode of uterine bleeding (67% versus 11% at 3 years, respectively, P<.001). Women in the estradiol group were also more likely to have an endometrial biopsy (48% versus 4% at 3 years, P<.001). Among women on estradiol, obesity (body mass index [BMI] greater than 30 kg/m(2)) significantly increased the odds of uterine bleeding compared with normal-weight patients (BMI 25 or less) (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.2-11.8).

CONCLUSION

Short-term, unopposed estradiol therapy with gynecologic monitoring may be an option for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Menopausal women choosing estradiol therapy, especially if obese, should anticipate uterine bleeding and the possibility of an endometrial biopsy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT 00000559 and NCT 00115024.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Efficacy and safety of a new 24-day oral contraceptive regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 20 μg (Loestrin® 24 Fe)

BACKGROUND

New low-dose formulations of combination oral contraceptives (COCs) are safe and effective, but they may be associated with an increased risk of breakthrough bleeding. Extending the duration of active hormonal treatment may reduce the frequency of intracyclic bleeding/spotting while maintaining efficacy and tolerability.

METHODS

This 6-month, open-label, randomized, active-controlled study involved healthy women aged 18-45 years who were at risk for pregnancy. Women were randomized 4:1 to a 24-day regimen of norethindrone acetate 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 20 micro g (NETA/EE-24) or to a 21-day regimen of the same combination (NETA/EE-21). The outcomes assessed included pregnancy and incidence, duration of bleeding and intensity of bleeding.

RESULTS

The cumulative risk of pregnancy in the NETA/EE-24 group (n=705) was 0.9% during six cycles of treatment. Compared with NETA/EE-21 (n=181), NETA/EE-24 was associated with significantly fewer intracyclic bleeding days (0.95 vs. 1.63; p=.005), fewer days of withdrawal bleeding (2.66 vs. 3.88; p<.001) and fewer total bleeding/spotting days for Cycles 2-6 (18.6 vs. 23.2; p<.001). NETA/EE-24 was well tolerated, and side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

NETA/EE-24 is an effective well-tolerated COC that is associated with a bleeding profile more favorable than that of NETA/EE-21.

Bleeding after use of the levonorgestrel regimen of emergency contraception : concordance between women's reports of their menstrual periods and an objective algorithm

OBJECTIVE

To compare concordance between periods as recorded by women on daily diaries with those determined objectively by an algorithm used in an earlier study to assess bleeding patterns after taking the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) regimen consisting of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel.

METHODS

We asked 120 women who had been treated with the regimen to keep daily bleeding diaries for 9 weeks. We compared menstrual periods recorded on the diary cards and reported in follow-up interviews with those determined by an algorithm adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO).

RESULTS

Altogether, 111 subjects contributed diary cards on which the algorithm could identify at least one period; a total of 261 periods were identified by the algorithm. In 87% of these periods, women recorded on the diary a start date that was the same as or only 1 day later, but in 8% their recorded start day was more than 7 days later. For the first period following use of the regimen, concordance was lower: 81% and 14%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We found generally good concordance between the starts of menstrual periods as determined by an algorithm adapted from the WHO and the date of the start of a period as reported by participants on diary cards. In our earlier study, we found that the earlier in the cycle a woman took 1.5 mg levonorgestrel, the earlier was the next period. Had we relied on women's recording of the first period on the diary card, we would not have reached that conclusion.

Combined hormonal contraceptive trials: variable data collection and bleeding assessment methodologies influence study outcomes and physician perception

Initially approved for use in the United States nearly 50 years ago, oral hormonal contraceptives containing both estrogen and progestin have undergone steady improvements in safety and convenience. Concurrent with improvements in safety associated with decreasing doses of both steroids, there has been an increased incidence of unscheduled bleeding and spotting. There exist no standards regarding data collection techniques and methods, and reporting and analysis of bleeding and spotting events during combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) trials. For the regulatory review of hormonal contraceptives, data regarding the incidence of bleeding and spotting events are not included in either of the traditional categories of efficacy and safety. Standardization of methods for collecting and analyzing data about cycle control in all clinical trials of CHCs is long overdue. Until such standards are developed and implemented, clinicians need to familiarize themselves with the techniques used in each study in order to provide correct information to their patients about the frequency of bleeding and spotting associated with different formulations and delivery systems.

Recommendations for standardization of data collection and analysis of bleeding in combined hormone contraceptive trials

This is the second of a two-article series describing the outcomes of the Hormonal Contraceptives Trial Methodology Consensus Conference held in Philadelphia, PA, on September 23, 2005. The first manuscript, "Hormonal Contraceptive Trials: Variable Data Collection and Bleeding Assessment Methodologies Influence Study Outcome and Physician Perception," provided a description of methodologies applied in the US Food and Drug Administration medical officer's review of clinical trial data as contained in the Summary Basis of Approvals of New Drug Applications, results of the review and general conclusions. This manuscript provides recommendations regarding best practices in trial design, data collection and analysis regarding bleeding data in combined hormone contraception trials.

[Use of orlistat (xenical) in the treatment of women with obesity and disorders of menstrual cycle]

Obesity poses a serious threat for health, being a risk factor for development of heart diseases, diabetes type II, tumors, and reproductive function failure. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of orlistat (xenical) on the character of menstrual cycle and some metabolic indicators in women with obesity. 17 patients of reproductive age with I-III degree of obesity were investigated. The visceral type of obesity and disorders of menstrual cycle were observed in all patients: oligomenorrhea was observed in 9 (52.9%), amenorrhea in 4 (23.5%)and metrorrhagia in 4 (23.5 %) patients. All the patients received orlistat (xenical) 120 mg 3 times per day during 6 months. Orlistat (xenical) therapy results in significant reduction of body weight (12.3%), body mass index (13.3%), improvement of lipid and carbohydrates metabolisms. Normalization of hormonal levels was registered. As a result of all this the restoration of menstrual cycle and ovulation is registered. Orlistat (xenical) is effective in the treatment of women with obesity and menstrual cycle disorders.

Association between weather conditions and the incidence of emergency gynecological consultations

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the influence of weather conditions on the incidence of outpatient emergency consultations at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Regional Hospital in Lugano, Switzerland.

STUDY DESIGN

The medical records of all women who attended the outpatient emergency unit at the Department for Obstetrics and Gynecology over the 1-year study period were reviewed. The final diagnosis was pelvic pain of unidentified origin in 180 cases, menorrhagia and/or metrorrhagia in 95 cases, threatened abortion in 56 cases and spontaneous abortion in 54 cases. The meteorological factors considered were atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity and global radiation. A logistic regression model was used to correlate the occurrence of symptoms with the chosen weather factors.

RESULTS

High mean daily temperature was found to be a significant predictor of pelvic pain (p < 0.001). A rise in barometric pressure compared to the previous day increased the probability of menorrhagia and/or metrorrhagia (p = 0.001). Higher minimal temperature (p = 0.011) and an increase in atmospheric pressure (p = 0.006) were identified as positive predictors of threatened abortion. None of the meteorological factors considered seemed to influence the frequency of spontaneous abortions.

CONCLUSION

Meteorological factors such as temperature and barometric change appear to affect the probability of emergency admissions for gynecological symptoms including uterine bleeding, threatened abortion and pelvic pain.

[Gynecology-obstetrics at the Yalgado-Ouédraogo (Ouagadougou) National Hospital Center. Cancer of the cervix uteri: epidemio-clinical and anatomopathologic aspects]

We report the findings of a 3-year retrospective study aimed at describing the epidemiological, clinical, anatomical and pathological profile of cervical cancers in an African country. We studied 46 cases of invasive cervical cancer. This type of cancer accounts for 31.7% of female genital cancers. The mean waiting time for a consultation was 7 +/- 2.4 months. The average age of the patients was 48 +/- 3.7 years. They were mostly women who had had several pregnancies without paid work. The main reasons for seeking medical help were metrorrhagia (95.6%), pelvic pain (58.7%) and purulent discharge (45.6%). In 89.1% of the cases, the cancer was inoperable. Pathology results were available in 37 cases. We found 36 cases (97.3%) of epidermoid carcinoma and a single case (2.7%) of adenocarcinoma. There were associated condylomatous lesions in 21.6% of cases. These results demonstrate the importance of making cervical smear tests a routine part of medical examination and of making the public aware of the importance of screening for cervical cancer.

[Dysfunctional uterine bleeding in adolescents (63 cases)]

The pubertary uterine hemorrhage are always fonctionels. 63 cases were observed in three years. The importance of the hemorrhage is responsible in 17.4% of the hospitalisations. The etiology was searched in all cases. The hormonal treatment is prescribed in the first intention in 58.7% of cases.